Working in heat is a hazard for many workers whether they work indoors or outdoors. Heat-related illness can result in severe health problems.
In Australia, workers are now exposed to hotter working environments for longer periods. With more frequent and longer heatwaves there are also new hazards to consider and impacts on the available control options.
National Safety Standard
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has recently called for a new national safety standard to allow staff to stop work due to extreme heat, with some unions wanting the threshold set at 35 degrees for industries such as construction.
Existing Safety Framework
CCF NSW recognises that there is already an existing safety framework for managing extreme heat from SafeWork NSW and recommend our members to adhere to these standards. It is important that you take steps to manage heat hazards for your workers.
SafeWork NSW has developed a “Beat the Heat” tool outlining four simple steps to assess and manage heat in your workplace.
Standard Risk Management Approach
When heat is a hazard in your workplace, it should be managed using the standard risk management approach:
- Identify the hazard
- Assess the risks
- Control the risks
- Review control measures
Workers and Health and Safety Representatives must be consulted at each step of the process.
We encourage our members to consider the steps set out by SafeWork NSW in managing work in hot conditions for your workers.
For more information, please refer to: SafeWork NSW – “Managing extreme heat at your workplace”.
For further assistance, please contact CCF NSW on 9009 4000.